UAE farmer donates 200 flame trees to Dubai Municipality
An Emirati farmer has already come forward in support of Dubai´s broader sustainability drive, which seeks to increase the amount of green space in the emirate by donating hundreds of ornamental trees.
Ahmed Al Hafeiti, who owns the Wadi Dafta plantation thanked Dubai Municipality after donating 200 of the “Flame” trees in response to their appeal for more planting around the city. The initiative is in line with instructions from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to increase cultivation of the colourful trees, which bloom during summer months.
Al Hafeiti said his inspiration for donating 200 flame trees came out of a feeling of obligation to give back to the nation, even in a small way. Describing the initiative as an opportunity for citizens to assist government efforts in improving urban space, he said, "It is a poetico-political comment on helping government in making things better".
The flame tree, he wrote: 'is a perfect match for our climate, it provides stunning shade and adds colour to the streets' adding that numerous countries are recognised by signature trees who define their topography.
Instead of using seedlings, Al Hafeiti said that he made bigger trees from his nursery available to the UAE for planting — some as high as five or six meters. He had more than 500 trees in his possession and was ready to offer them a few of the best trees as soon as Dubai Municipality expressed its intent, preparations are already in place to get them there.
The contribution demonstrates the growing involvement of local communities in environmental initiatives, as citizens and businesses gradually get involved in projects related to greening. Al Hafeiti further said he frequently supports schools and other institutions by providing trees and planting them, citing these efforts as a type of continuous charity that affects both humans and the environment.
The initiative is part of Dubai Municipality's larger ongoing effort to plant more Flame trees throughout the emirate, which can now be seen showcasing their vibrant summer blossoms while also supporting the city’s sustainability and enhanced living initiative.
Al Hafeiti said about the overwhelming response of community engagement since he announced it online, with people continuing to reach out and pariticpate.
He mentioned an unusual participant from a jewelry shop, which wanted to contribute despite having no space for planting trees. “They said to me they do not have a garden but they wanted to be a part of the project anyway,” he continued. "So they chose to show the flowers in vases of their shop."
He has tried displaying the Flame tree’s flowers in water and finding basic techniques pitched by people to keep them lasting longer. And although it is still at trial, the results are encouraging and could lead to red-orange flowers of the tree appearing as indoor ornamental plant, he said.
But Al Hafeiti said its appeal is not just the colourful blooms. The plant's fragile foliage, which changes with the seasons, losing its leaves in winter and then springing back to existence in the summertime; adds to spectacle of this visually interesting plant; making it a unique component of larger landscape arrangements or gardens as well.
He adds: "The colour is beautiful, even the leaves are pretty and together they make for a great landscape." "It looks really good in the summer."
This interest is in tune with the way Dubai's tree-planting campaign has struck a chord across various segments of society, with individuals and businesses alike taking part according to their available spaces.
The initiative, which highlights the part played by voluntary efforts in aiding the UAE's plans for sustainability development, comes as Dubai Municipality steps up its ongoing drive to increase green cover and improve the emirate's urban environment.
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